Home › Southwestern Oklahoma State University › Parks

Parks at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Weatherford, OK · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,506/yr (14% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (508,800 openings/yr)

ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (14.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #10 of 45 Parks programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Parks graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$471K	$472K	$446K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.2x	14.2x	13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	14.2x	14.2x	13.4x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	40%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	54	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,180

Out-of-state: $33,300 (14.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,168

-75% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,500

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,506/yr, edging above the $33,642 national average for Parks — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Parks career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,500 in median debt against $38,506 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University ranks #10 among 45 Parks programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University has a 100% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 3,469 in Weatherford, OK.

See all programs and financial aid at Southwestern Oklahoma State University →

Top Career Paths

Facilities managers $104,690/yr

General and operations managers $102,950/yr

Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling $77,180/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Parks at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

At 54/100, Southwestern Oklahoma State University's Parks program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is Southwestern Oklahoma State University one of the best schools for Parks?

Among 45 Parks programs, Southwestern Oklahoma State University's #10 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →